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Brambilla C, Lavit Nicora M, Storm F, Reni G, Malosio M, Scano A. Biomechanical Assessments of the Upper Limb for Determining Fatigue, Strain and Effort from the Laboratory to the Industrial Working Place: A Systematic Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040445. [PMID: 37106632 PMCID: PMC10135542 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent human-centered developments in the industrial field (Industry 5.0) lead companies and stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of their workers with assessments of upper limb performance in the workplace, with the aim of reducing work-related diseases and improving awareness of the physical status of workers, by assessing motor performance, fatigue, strain and effort. Such approaches are usually developed in laboratories and only at times they are translated to on-field applications; few studies summarized common practices for the assessments. Therefore, our aim is to review the current state-of-the-art approaches used for the assessment of fatigue, strain and effort in working scenarios and to analyze in detail the differences between studies that take place in the laboratory and in the workplace, in order to give insights on future trends and directions. A systematic review of the studies aimed at evaluating the motor performance, fatigue, strain and effort of the upper limb targeting working scenarios is presented. A total of 1375 articles were found in scientific databases and 288 were analyzed. About half of the scientific articles are focused on laboratory pilot studies investigating effort and fatigue in laboratories, while the other half are set in working places. Our results showed that assessing upper limb biomechanics is quite common in the field, but it is mostly performed with instrumental assessments in laboratory studies, while questionnaires and scales are preferred in working places. Future directions may be oriented towards multi-domain approaches able to exploit the potential of combined analyses, exploitation of instrumental approaches in workplace, targeting a wider range of people and implementing more structured trials to translate pilot studies to real practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Brambilla
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Matteo Lavit Nicora
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Storm
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS “Eugenio Medea”, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reni
- Informatics Department, Autonomous Province of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Matteo Malosio
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scano
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
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Lewis C, Stjernbrandt A, Wahlström J. The association between cold exposure and musculoskeletal disorders: a prospective population-based study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:565-575. [PMID: 36592178 PMCID: PMC10079729 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the association between occupational ambient cold exposure and neck-shoulder pain (NSP), low back pain (LBP), and radiating LBP. METHODS The study cohort comprised of 3,843 working subjects in northern Sweden who answered a baseline (spring 2015) and a follow-up questionnaire (spring 2021). NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP were assessed in both surveys. Occupational cold exposure was assessed at baseline, on a whole number numerical rating scale (NRS) and categorized in quartiles. Binary logistic regression determined the association between cold exposure at baseline and incident NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP, adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, mental stress, and physical workload. RESULTS There were statistically significant associations between high occupational ambient cold exposure (NRS 5-7 and NRS 8-10) and NSP (1.59; 95% CI 1.08-2.33 and OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.03-2.19); NRS 8-10 and LBP (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.13-2.29); and NRS 5-7 and radiating LBP (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.12-3.16). Gender-stratified analyses showed statistically significant associations between high occupational ambient cold exposure (NRS 5-7 and NRS 8-10) and NSP (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.07-3.61 and OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.06-3.67) for men and between NRS 8-10 and LBP (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.14-2.91) and NRS 5-7 and radiating LBP (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.15-4.24) for women. CONCLUSIONS Occupational ambient cold exposure was associated with NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP, and should be recognised as a possible occupational risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lewis
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Albin Stjernbrandt
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jens Wahlström
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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Clari M, Godono A, Garzaro G, Voglino G, Gualano MR, Migliaretti G, Gullino A, Ciocan C, Dimonte V. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among perioperative nurses: a systematic review and META-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:226. [PMID: 33637081 PMCID: PMC7908783 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in perioperative nurses and to explore their association with personal characteristics. METHODS Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Institute Database were systematically searched. A meta-analysis calculating event rates, and relative 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was performed for each musculoskeletal body region. The contribution of perioperative nurses' sex, age, and BMI was assessed through a meta-regression. RESULTS Twenty-two studies, considering 3590 perioperative nurses, were included in the systematic review. The highest prevalence of WRMSDs was found for the lower-back (62%; 95% CI 0.54-0.70), followed by knee (47%; 95% CI 0.36-0.59), shoulder (44%; 95% CI 0.37-0.51), waist (42%; 95% CI 0.31-0.53), neck (39%; 95% CI 0.29-0.51), ankle-feet (35%; 95% CI 0.22-0.51), upper-back (34%; 95% CI 0.25-0.44), hand-wrist (29%; 95% CI 0.20-0.40), and elbow (18%; 95% CI 0.12-0.26). Meta-regression showed that sex, age, and BMI were not significant predictors of low-back disorders (p = 0.69; R2 = 0). CONCLUSIONS WRMSDs represent a high prevalence issue among perioperative nurses. Perioperative nurses, in general, are steadily exposed to both physical and temporal risk factors. Further studies should be addressed to identify specific interventions aimed at reducing the burden of WRMSDs including ergonomic education and physical rehabilitation. Our data could be used in future studies as a reference to assess the risk of WRMSDs in other health-care professionals' population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Clari
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Godono
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Garzaro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy. .,Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Voglino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Migliaretti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Attilia Gullino
- Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Catalina Ciocan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation among Thai poultry industry workers with reference to vulnerable groups: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1357. [PMID: 32887559 PMCID: PMC7487455 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined cold-related symptoms among cold workplace workers in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cold-related cardiorespiratory, circulatory, and general symptoms and performance degradation among Thai chicken industry workers and identify vulnerable groups. Methods Overall, 422 workers aged from 18 to 57 years at four chicken meat factories in Thailand were interviewed for cold-related symptoms and complaints. The results were expressed in terms of model-based adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences (PDs) in percentage points (pp) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, 76.1% of the respondents reported cold-related respiratory symptoms, 24.6% reported cardiac symptoms, 68.6% reported circulatory symptoms, and 72.1% reported general symptoms. In addition, 82.7% of the respondents reported performance degradation. Cold-related respiratory symptoms increased by PD 29.0 pp. (95% CI 23.4–34.6) from the lowest to the highest educational group, with a similar pattern observed in performance degradation. Forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers complained of cold-related respiratory symptoms more than office staff (PD 22.1 pp., 95% CI 12.8–31.3; 12.0 pp., 95% CI 2.4–21.6; and 17.5 pp., 95% CI 11.5–23.6, respectively); they also reported more performance degradation (PD 24.1 pp., 95% CI 17.0–31.2; 19.8 pp., 95% CI 14.1–25.6; and 14.8 pp., 95% CI 8.0–22.6, respectively). Weekly alcohol consumers reported more performance problems owing to cold (PD 18.2 pp., 95% CI 13.9–22.6) than non-consumers of alcohol. Cardiac and circulation symptoms were more common in women than men (PD 10.0 pp., 95% CI 1.1–18.9; and 8.4 pp., 95% CI 0.5–16.4, respectively). The age trend in performance issues was curved, with the highest prevalence among those aged 35–44 years, while the oldest workers (45–57 years) perceived less cold-related symptoms, particularly thirst. Conclusions Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation were found to be common in this industry, with vulnerable groups comprising of highly educated workers, forklift drivers, storage and manufacturing workers, weekly alcohol consumers, aging workers, and women. The results demonstrate a need for further research on the adequacy of protection provided against the cold, particularly given that global warming will increase the contrast between cold workplaces and outdoor heat.
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Farbu EH, Skandfer M, Nielsen C, Brenn T, Stubhaug A, Höper AC. Working in a cold environment, feeling cold at work and chronic pain: a cross-sectional analysis of the Tromsø Study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031248. [PMID: 31719082 PMCID: PMC6858151 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate if working in a cold environment and feeling cold at work are associated with chronic pain (ie, lasting ≥3 months). METHODS We used data from the sixth survey (2007-2008) of the Tromsø Study. Analyses included 6533 men and women aged 30-67 years who were not retired, not receiving full-time disability benefits and had no missing values. Associations between working in a cold environment, feeling cold at work and self-reported chronic pain were examined with logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, insomnia, physical activity at work, leisure time physical activity and smoking. RESULTS 779 participants reported working in a cold environment ≥25% of the time. This exposure was positively associated with pain at ≥3 sites (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.01) and with neck, shoulder and leg pain, but not with pain at 1-2 sites. Feeling cold sometimes or often at work was associated with pain at ≥3 sites (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.22 to 2.07 and OR 3.90; 95% CI 2.04 to 7.45, respectively). Feeling cold often at work was significantly and positively associated with pain at all sites except the hand, foot, stomach and head. CONCLUSION Working in a cold environment was significantly associated with chronic pain. The observed association was strongest for pain at musculoskeletal sites and for those who often felt cold at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlend Hoftun Farbu
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Tromso, Norway
| | - Morten Skandfer
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Tromso, Norway
| | - Christopher Nielsen
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo Universitetssykehus, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tormod Brenn
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Tromso, Norway
| | - Audun Stubhaug
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo Universitetssykehus, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anje Christina Höper
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Tromso, Norway
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway
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Clari M, Garzaro G, Di Maso M, Donato F, Godono A, Paleologo M, Dimonte V, Pira E. Upper Limb Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Operating Room Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2844. [PMID: 31395811 PMCID: PMC6720415 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association between personal and job characteristics and the risk of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among operating room nurses (ORNs). To this end, we collected data from 148 ORNs working at 8 Italian hospitals and measured any upper limb disabilities experienced in the previous year using the Italian version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. The associations between personal and job characteristics and risk of upper limb WMSDs were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models. The prevalence of upper limb WMSDs was 45.9%. Multivariate analysis showed the "female gender" and "monthly hours spent working as a scrub nurse" to be directly associated with a higher DASH score (adjusted OR for gender = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.65-17.51, p < 0.01; adjusted OR for monthly hours as scrub nurse = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.33-7.19, p < 0.01). Overall, our findings indicate that a full-time job (>120 h/month) as a scrub nurse significantly increases the risk of developing upper limb WMSDs among female ORNs. Thus, to reduce such risk in this particularly sensitive population, we recommend urgent implementation of ergonomic interventions on surgical equipment alongside job rotation and medical surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Clari
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Garzaro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Maso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology "G.A. Maccacaro", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Donato
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Godono
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Paleologo
- Directorate of Allied Health Professionals, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Pira
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Sancibrian R, Gutierrez-Diez MC, Redondo-Figuero C, Llata JR, Manuel-Palazuelos JC. Using infrared imaging for assessment of muscular activity in the forearm of surgeons in the performance of laparoscopic tasks. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2019; 233:999-1009. [PMID: 31307277 DOI: 10.1177/0954411919863547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Surgeons working in laparoscopic surgery are subjected to hard working conditions because of the poor ergonomic characteristics of the workplace. The improvement in the working conditions requires the use of reliable techniques for the assessment of muscular activity. In this article infrared imaging is used and compared with electromyography for the evaluation of muscle activity in the performance of laparoscopic surgical tasks. Electromyography has been widely used for the evaluation of the electrical activity produced by the muscles in the performance of surgery. On the contrary, infrared imaging is an innovative technique that has not been sufficiently explored. An experimental evaluation was carried out using a thermography camera and recording the infrared images from volunteers in different tests. Pearson's correlation was obtained between the electromyography and thermographic measurements in two stages: Endurance Stage (best value: ρ = 0.8401 with p < 0.01) and Surgical Task (best value: ρ = 0.8309 with p < 0.01). The article demonstrates that infrared imaging is a valuable technique for the evaluation of muscle activity in laparoscopic surgery, and it can be compared with electromyography. The main advantages of infrared imaging are that it allows remote measurement and provides activity information in the whole area of interest. However, drawbacks such as delayed response of the infrared imaging due to thermal conductivity of the skin should be considered. Electromyography only provides information in the location of the electrodes, but it is a real-time response. For these reasons, the techniques complement each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Sancibrian
- Department of Structural and Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | - Jose R Llata
- Department of Electronic Technology and Systems Engineering and Automation, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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Zlatar T, Torres Costa J, Vaz M, Santos Baptista J. Influence of severe cold thermal environment on core and skin temperatures: A systematic review. Work 2019; 62:337-352. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-192868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tomi Zlatar
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - José Torres Costa
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Vaz
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - João Santos Baptista
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA), University of Porto, Portugal
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Cheung SS, Lee JKW, Oksa J. Thermal stress, human performance, and physical employment standards. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2017; 41:S148-64. [PMID: 27277564 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many physically demanding occupations in both developed and developing economies involve exposure to extreme thermal environments that can affect work capacity and ultimately health. Thermal extremes may be present in either an outdoor or an indoor work environment, and can be due to a combination of the natural or artificial ambient environment, the rate of metabolic heat generation from physical work, processes specific to the workplace (e.g., steel manufacturing), or through the requirement for protective clothing impairing heat dissipation. Together, thermal exposure can elicit acute impairment of work capacity and also chronic effects on health, greatly contributing to worker health risk and reduced productivity. Surprisingly, in most occupations even in developed economies, there are rarely any standards regarding enforced heat or cold safety for workers. Furthermore, specific physical employment standards or accommodations for thermal stressors are rare, with workers commonly tested under near-perfect conditions. This review surveys the major occupational impact of thermal extremes and existing employment standards, proposing guidelines for improvement and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Cheung
- a Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jason K W Lee
- b Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore.,c Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,d Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Juha Oksa
- e Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Physical Work Capacity team, Oulu, Finland
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Muller MD, Seo Y, Kim CH, Ryan EJ, Pollock BS, Burns KJ, Glickman EL. Cold habituation does not improve manual dexterity during rest and exercise in 5 °C. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:383-394. [PMID: 23389249 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
When exposed to a cold environment, a barehanded person experiences pain, cold sensation, and reduced manual dexterity. Both acute (e.g. exercise) and chronic (e.g. cold acclimatization or habituation) processes might lessen these negative effects. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of cold habituation on physiology, perception, and manual dexterity during rest, exercise, and recovery in 5 °C. Six cold weather athletes (CWA) and eight non habituated men (NON) volunteered to participate in a repeated measures cross-over design. The protocol was conducted in 5 °C and was 90 min of resting cold exposure, 30 min of cycle ergometry exercise (50 % VO2 peak), and 60 min of seated recovery. Core and finger skin temperature, metabolic rate, Purdue Pegboard dexterity performance, hand pain, thermal sensation, and mood were quantified. Exercise-induced finger rewarming (EIFRW) was calculated for each hand. During 90 min of resting exposure to 5 °C, the CWA had a smaller reduction in finger temperature, a lower metabolic rate, less hand pain, and less negative mood. Despite this cold habituation, dexterity performance was not different between groups. In response to cycle ergometry, EIFRW was greater in CWA (~12 versus 7 °C) and occurred at lower core temperatures (37.02 versus 37.31 °C) relative to NON but dexterity was not greater during post-exercise recovery. The current data indicate that cold habituated men (i.e., CWA) do not perform better on the Purdue Pegboard during acute cold exposure. Furthermore, despite augmented EIFRW in CWA, dexterity during post-exercise recovery was similar between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Muller
- Exercise and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Kent State University, Gym Annex 167, Kent, OH, 44242, USA,
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11
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Oksa J, Paasovaara S, Ollila T. Intermittently increased repetitive work intensity and neuromuscular function in the cold. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2012; 50:307-315. [PMID: 22785420 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.ms1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated whether cold-induced deterioration in neuromuscular function can be restored by intermittently increasing the workload. We examined the level of muscular strain, agonist-antagonist co-activation, the occurrence of EMG gaps and neuromuscular efficiency in wrist flexor and extensor muscles at 21°C (TN) and 4°C (C(10)) with a 10%MVC workload. During second exposure to 4°C (C(50)) the workload was increased every fourth minute to 50%MVC. The results indicated that muscular strain and co-activation was the highest and the amount of EMG gaps and neuromuscular efficiency the lowest at C(10). By intermittently increasing the workload at C(50) we were able to reduce muscular strain and co-activation (p<0.05) and induce a trend like increase in EMG gaps and enhance neuromuscular efficiency in relation to C(10) (NS). It may be concluded that intermittently increasing the workload, i.e. breaking the monotonous work cycle was able to partially restore neuromuscular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Oksa
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland.
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Widanarko B, Legg S, Stevenson M, Devereux J, Eng A, 't Mannetje A, Cheng S, Pearce N. Gender differences in work-related risk factors associated with low back symptoms. ERGONOMICS 2012; 55:327-342. [PMID: 22409170 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2011.642410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The prevalence of low back symptoms (LBS) in many working populations is high and differences in prevalence between genders are inconsistent. However, gender-specific risk factors for LBS have seldom been examined. Hence, the aim of the present study was to indicate gender-specific LBS risk factors. A sample of 3003 people was interviewed by telephone to get information about current workplace exposure and LBS. The risk of LBS for the whole population increased with work in awkward/tiring positions (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.68) and very/extremely stressful jobs (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.03). None of the explanatory variables were significantly associated with LBS for males but working in awkward/tiring positions (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.20), dissatisfaction with contact and cooperation with management (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02-2.78) and finding their job to be very/extremely stressful (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.46-3.52) were significantly associated with LBS for females. Interventions to reduce LBS in workplaces should focus on reducing working in awkward/tiring positions, improving contact and cooperation with management, and reducing stressful jobs, especially amongst females. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY Strategies to prevent or reduce LBS should focus on reducing exposure to awkward or tiring positions at work, improving contact and cooperation with management, and reducing stressful jobs, especially for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiduri Widanarko
- Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Management, College of Business, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Harley LR, Grullon SA, Harbert SD, Holmes J, Britton DF. Evaluation of the ShapeTape for studying biomechanics in the workplace. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012; 2012:4505-4508. [PMID: 23366929 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2012.6346968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Motion capture systems may be difficult to use in harsh environments such as a poultry plant, and therefore should be self-contained, portable, unobtrusive, and not interfere with or be degraded by plant machinery or processes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability and accuracy of the ShapeTape system as a potential solution. This was accomplished by comparing kinematic data from the ShapeTape against the Vicon system. Subjects performed cyclical movements along a plane angled 45° up from the horizontal using their right arms. Results revealed that the ShapeTape kinematic data was significantly larger than the Vicon data, yet statistically reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda R Harley
- Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Côté JN. A critical review on physical factors and functional characteristics that may explain a sex/gender difference in work-related neck/shoulder disorders. ERGONOMICS 2011; 55:173-182. [PMID: 21846285 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2011.586061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The objective of this paper is to critically review recent literature on physical and functional sex/gender (s/g) differences, with focus on physical determinants associated with neck/shoulder musculoskeletal injuries. It is well known that there are s/g differences in anthropometrical and functional body characteristics (e.g. size and strength). However, s/g differences may be wrongly attributed if data analysis does not include appropriate corrections (e.g. by strength for endurance). Recent literature on motor control shows that there may indeed be s/g differences in muscle coordination and movement strategies during upper limb tasks that are not currently explained by methodological inadequacies. Moreover, recent studies have shown differences between men and women in sensory hypersensitivity characteristics associated with neck/shoulder injuries. Taken together, the literature points to the importance of accounting for possible s/g differences at all levels of the biopsychosocial system in order to better understand sex- and gender-specific issues relevant to workplace health. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY This article critically reviews recent literature and a conceptual model highlighting s/g differences in physical and functional characteristics related to neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (NSMSD). Findings have implications on understanding how personal factors may affect NSMSD risk. With better understanding, practitioners can make more appropriate decisions to prevent work-related NSMSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie N Côté
- McGill University, Kinesiology and Physical Education, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebéc, H2W 1S4, Canada.
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Muller MD, Kim CH, Bellar DM, Ryan EJ, Seo Y, Muller SM, Glickman EL. Effect of cold acclimatization on exercise economy in the cold. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 112:795-800. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Muller MD, Muller SM, Ryan EJ, Bellar DM, Kim CH, Glickman EL. Pain and thermal sensation in the cold: the effect of interval versus continuous exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 111:979-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Muller MD, Ryan EJ, Bellar DM, Kim CH, Blankfield RP, Muller SM, Glickman EL. The influence of interval versus continuous exercise on thermoregulation, torso hemodynamics, and finger dexterity in the cold. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 109:857-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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